Living in the Lap of Luxury

If there is one book that has meant to me the most in my life, it is Gurudev's book "Celebrating Silence". I will purchase as many copies I can and gift them as Birthday gifts to family and friends this year. Here is one important quote from this book:

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Contentment still eludes so many people living in the lap of luxury. This spiritual teacher offers the following counsel: "Though the river is vast, a little sip quenches your thirst. Though the earth has so much food, just a small bite satisfies your hunger. All that you need are tiny bits. Accept a tiny bit of everything in life — that will bring you fulfillment." Contentment comes from the freedom that grows out of being satisfied with tiny blessings. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is especially cogent in his suggestions on how to deal with jealousy and handle rudeness. Handling the incivility of others is good training: "The next time someone is rude to you, make sure you do not get upset. Just return a broad smile. If you can digest rudeness, nothing whatsoever can shake you."

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Jai Guru Dev

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and Sudharshan Kriya

Its been more than 3 years since I started Sudharshan Kriya. I typically start the day with Bastrika, followed by Sudharshan Kriya, followed by Pranayama and then meditation for a few minutes. The practical benefits that I see are;

• relief from cold and cough
• improved respiratory system (hence no wheezing, bronchitis, etc)
• improved sitting posture (all day)
• no head aches (stress related)
• overall improved energy (all day)

More importantly, the subtle benefits are;

• ease with which I can meditate (transcending to thoughtlessness)
  
• achieving the disconnect required from Body, Mind and Intellect (for meditation)
• balancing of the bodies systemic chakras
• improved immunity system (via respiratory system and removal toxins)
• focused efforts (mind does not sway here and there- always focused on practical things to do)
• calm and peace under different trying circumstances
• improved overall productivity (in the right direction)
  
• improved relationships with a sense of gratitude and thankfulness
  
• nothing is impossible attitude (always feeling connected)

Recently Gurudev answered the following way to the most important question for mankind over time ;

Q. When will all national boundaries dissolve?

A: When everyone starts to do the Sudarshan Kriya. (audience laughs and claps)

(there will be a time when this planet exists as one world and one family with no boundaries - due to the foundation work laid by Sudharshan Kriya and One day all of us will be practicing Sudharshan Kriya -similar to how we brush our teeth today !! I only wish that this day comes sooner than later -- JGD).